This past week I was in our nation's capitol for business. I've only been to DC three times now in my life, each time only for a short time, and barely there long enough to really enjoy the immense amount of historical sites available for us to enjoy. I love American History, and I love this country, and I long to go back to DC, on my own and thoroughly examine the sites. However, the few things I've had the opportunity to see, even if briefly, always leave me in utter awe. I was fortunate this past week to spend a peaceful and deeply moving afternoon at Arlington Cemetery.
Arriving in DC, I had joked entirely about running into our newest President, but truly there was no need to see him in person, because his face exists absolutely EVERYWHERE. The journey that this nation has been on these past 45 days has been an interesting one, and I admit my personal journey along the Obama Mania train has been a rough one. I genuinely do not wish for any President to fail because I truly respect the position in which they hold. However, I have struggled immensely in the light of how this country is drastically changing, and even more frightening to me is how worshiped our new President is. I have been disheartened from the inauguration and on. I am not affiliated with any one party, and I understand in the realm of all my friends, most of which are staunch Democrats, not being affiliated makes me an outsider. But I have always voted for the man who I believe represents my interests best, and with whom I can believe in. This past election was draining to me. And on a day that I wanted to find something to believe in, and stand with the millions of other Americans who were screaming they were "Proud to be an American", I was only saddened. I was saddened by how a man who stayed away from all race related campaign tactics had somehow become proclaimed by the minute "The 1st BLACK President". Everything became about him being BLACK, not the fact that he ran a great campaign or was going to bring change, or any of his platforms. It was only that he was BLACK, as if we hadn't noticed.
Let me say here that I don't take anything away from this historical event and the significance of what took place. I wanted so much to believe in him, rather than his color, after all, isn't that what being President of the free world is about? Regardless of any political party, or of how any one person felt about President Bush's presidency, he was still President of the United States, and it made me sad at how disrespected he was the last few days of his presidency. It made me sad to hear all the smears, and booing, and name calling at every place he was presented. And I wondered how he and Mrs. Bush must have felt as they took off in their helicopter that afternoon.
I didn't bring all of this up as a political statement, or to criticize one political side or the other, I speak of it all because in the past 45 days, as my faith in the country and our government has been tried and tested, it was my experience at Arlington Cemetery that provided me the renewed faith that I was looking for. Just days before I headed to DC, I had the great opportunity to watch the HBO Special, "Taking Chance". If you haven't seen this beautiful film, I highly suggest that you find a way to. The movie, starring Kevin Bacon, is based on a true story of a high ranked Marine Corp officer, stationed in the states, who volunteers to be an Escort. He volunteers to accompany the remains of a fallen soldier across the country to his hometown. This movie portrays and demonstrates to us the sacred and truly incredible process in which a fallen soldier is brought home. From the arrival into the United States, through the entire process in which their bodies are prepared for burial, to the final hand-off to the family of the soldier, I was never so touched as I was watching this process.
Arriving in DC, I had joked entirely about running into our newest President, but truly there was no need to see him in person, because his face exists absolutely EVERYWHERE. The journey that this nation has been on these past 45 days has been an interesting one, and I admit my personal journey along the Obama Mania train has been a rough one. I genuinely do not wish for any President to fail because I truly respect the position in which they hold. However, I have struggled immensely in the light of how this country is drastically changing, and even more frightening to me is how worshiped our new President is. I have been disheartened from the inauguration and on. I am not affiliated with any one party, and I understand in the realm of all my friends, most of which are staunch Democrats, not being affiliated makes me an outsider. But I have always voted for the man who I believe represents my interests best, and with whom I can believe in. This past election was draining to me. And on a day that I wanted to find something to believe in, and stand with the millions of other Americans who were screaming they were "Proud to be an American", I was only saddened. I was saddened by how a man who stayed away from all race related campaign tactics had somehow become proclaimed by the minute "The 1st BLACK President". Everything became about him being BLACK, not the fact that he ran a great campaign or was going to bring change, or any of his platforms. It was only that he was BLACK, as if we hadn't noticed.
Let me say here that I don't take anything away from this historical event and the significance of what took place. I wanted so much to believe in him, rather than his color, after all, isn't that what being President of the free world is about? Regardless of any political party, or of how any one person felt about President Bush's presidency, he was still President of the United States, and it made me sad at how disrespected he was the last few days of his presidency. It made me sad to hear all the smears, and booing, and name calling at every place he was presented. And I wondered how he and Mrs. Bush must have felt as they took off in their helicopter that afternoon.
I didn't bring all of this up as a political statement, or to criticize one political side or the other, I speak of it all because in the past 45 days, as my faith in the country and our government has been tried and tested, it was my experience at Arlington Cemetery that provided me the renewed faith that I was looking for. Just days before I headed to DC, I had the great opportunity to watch the HBO Special, "Taking Chance". If you haven't seen this beautiful film, I highly suggest that you find a way to. The movie, starring Kevin Bacon, is based on a true story of a high ranked Marine Corp officer, stationed in the states, who volunteers to be an Escort. He volunteers to accompany the remains of a fallen soldier across the country to his hometown. This movie portrays and demonstrates to us the sacred and truly incredible process in which a fallen soldier is brought home. From the arrival into the United States, through the entire process in which their bodies are prepared for burial, to the final hand-off to the family of the soldier, I was never so touched as I was watching this process.
As I watched how every individual that this Officer encountered throughout his journey, I was so touched by the amount of respect shown to him, and to the soldier he escorted home. There was honor, and respect, and genuine love displayed to these two individuals, to these two strangers. It mattered not what political party they belonged too, nor did it matter if they agreed about the war or not, all that mattered was the sacrifice the soldier had made for his country, for each one of us. The tears I spilled watching this film, were magnified and brought even closer to home as I toured Arlington Cemetery.
Every day there are on an average, 27 burials conducted. There is an entire section dedicated just to the soldiers that have fallen in Iraq, and all the other wars fought for this nation. The day I was there was partially overcast, warm, and beautiful. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful and the loudest noise throughout were the tour buses that would drop you off at the various points of interest. Other than that, there was nothing but the sounds of birds chirping and the low whispers of those around us. I was inspired and awed at the site of President Kennedy's tomb, and the Eternal Flame. The beauty of the grounds was amazing and I felt at total peace as I walked around looking at all the headstones. And of course watching the changing of the Guards at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier was inspiring. So much meaning behind every movement. Every action done with the utmost respect and focus. It was breathtaking. And the people who worked there, whether they were at the welcome desk, the teller selling tickets, the sweet lady who personally guided us to the tour bus stop speaking of all her personal favorite spots, or the retired military men who told us the history of the cemetery as we drove around, all of them were so special, so friendly, and so very honored to be doing what they were doing. It was this experience that reminded me of why I love this country.
So no, I didn't purchase an Obama sweatshirt, T-shirt, or hat; I didn't even purchase one of the 100+ refrigerator magnets available everywhere I went...nope, I haven't been sold on the mania quite yet. But I do love the feelings that I experienced being in DC, and I am thankful for having been there to be reminded of the freedom that all our servicemen protect and provide for us every day. These servicemen ask every day not what your country can do for them, but what they can do for our country. I have a hope that this is the daily affirmation we can all come to live and believe in. It's how I hope I can be always.
So no, I didn't purchase an Obama sweatshirt, T-shirt, or hat; I didn't even purchase one of the 100+ refrigerator magnets available everywhere I went...nope, I haven't been sold on the mania quite yet. But I do love the feelings that I experienced being in DC, and I am thankful for having been there to be reminded of the freedom that all our servicemen protect and provide for us every day. These servicemen ask every day not what your country can do for them, but what they can do for our country. I have a hope that this is the daily affirmation we can all come to live and believe in. It's how I hope I can be always.
1 comment:
Thanks for your great post, I enjoyed experiencing the cemetery through your eyes, since I have never been there. (I really hope to go to D.C. someday maybe with my kids when they are studying American History!)
It is fascinating to me to watch history unfold before us right now. I can't tell yet if it is good history or bad history, but nonetheless, these days we are living will be forever remembered!
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